Aloha!   (Aloha?)                    9 July 2012

 This week has come and gone, and I continue to watch my mission flash before my eyes. It was a week full of trials and a lot of learning. There were many set backs from people not showing up to appointments, people just being completely rude, and many other things in general. This week was full of a lot of contacting. I felt like I was back in St. George just knocking doors, but here we went off of lists that we were given. We contacted so many people this week! I think the most frustrating part of it all is that we have wonderful contacts and the people seem really interested and want to learn, and then when we ask them if we can come back they say no. I have gotten more excuses on why they can't meet with us this week, then in any other week of my mission. I just don't understand why they can be so nice and cordial in the doorways or on the sidewalks, but they won't ever let us get past that point. 

We also had the 4th of July this week.  We were out in the public = we went to a parade in Huntington, and then we went to a little fair thing, people selling things in a park. We were out contacting people and we got a few referrals. We also had a "boxing match" in one of those inflatable rings. It was pretty funny; I know that we were really tried after it and because of all the smoke in the air. A few people got it on video, so maybe I can get a copy of it I will send it to you. The rest of the day we just visited with members and went from barbecue to barbecue.

This week we saw a really big blessing from the Lord. RAIN! There hasn't been measurable rain here in this valley since February. On Thursday, the heavens opened up and there was rain! I think they said there was about a half an inch. It is pretty substantial when you think how long it has been since there has been rain here. I say it is a blessing because last Sunday, there was actually a regional fast for rain in this area, and it obviously worked. We are just hoping that it can continue and we can get some more to help suppress the fires and to help the crops.

I was also able to go on exchanges with Elder Johnson. He is a brand new elder, but he is super prepared for his mission. These missionaries coming out now are much more prepared when they come on their missions. I know that I wasn't nearly as prepared as all these missionaries are now. 

This week was a big learning experience for me. I kind of had a spiritual intervention with myself. I feel that every time I start to get to the point where I want to be on my mission, I get knocked down a few steps. I felt like I was finally getting to the point where I needed to be, and then I crashed. I know can re-evaluate myself and see where I need to improve.  The main two were stress and frustration. I have been bogged down with a lot of stress lately, in my area, helping my companion out, etc. I also had the realization about coming home, and it wasn't that fun. I thought about all the big decisions that lay ahead of me and I got super overwhelmed. I have spent so much time becoming this missionary and in a few months it will all be gone.  I was just looking into everything to see how I could better myself or to change things to help the area. I eventually came to the conclusion to do something to purify myself and to finish my mission strong. I started something called the "40 Day Fast". Don't worry I am not going to really fast for 40 days like the Savior did, but I will be "fasting" from the things that would be keeping me from being completely the missionary that I want to be. I have already started to see the change in my outlook and I believe that this will help me be on the right track.  I will sprint to the finish of my mission and end where I want to be.

This week I haven’t talked much about our investigators, but they are still doing good. David is still progressing really well, but the biggest thing is that he doesn't know if he will get the time off of work to come back on the weekend for his baptism. So if you could please pray that he will be able to get the time off of work. Thank you!

I do want to talk about one experience this week. It was with a Mexican guy named Arturo. We drove by his house and I saw him outside, but I figured it is late and we need to start heading home.  I felt the distinct impression that I needed to go and talk with him. So I flipped the car around and we pulled up in front of his house. We started to talk and I asked him why he wasn't baptized with his daughters. (He has two daughters that were baptized about a year and a half ago.) He said that he just didn't feel it then and he didn't have a bunch of time. We started talking about how Jesus Christ set up one church and that there needed to be one true church on the earth.  He just looked at me funny and said, "You are right. But everyone comes and says that they have the truth. So I don't know which to choose." I testified to him about how God knows everything and that God loves him and wants him to know which is the true church on the earth.  I committed him to pray about the things we talked about and left him a pamphlet that it explained to him how to pray and he said he would do it. We have a return appointment with him on Tuesday.

I am so grateful that I followed the prompting of the Holy Ghost to go and talk with him. I know that the Holy Ghost was definitely there to help testify to his heart. I know because the Holy Ghost has testified to me that this is the true Church on the earth today and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and has atoned for my sins as well as the sins of the world.

NEWS FROM HOME: Mom, I did get the essays Mom, and the transcripts. Thank you so much! I also received my license extension 2 weeks ago. So that is all taken care of. It is also good to hear that the treatments are basically scheduled (for Chad's father); just let me know when the actual dates are. Transfers are still not for another 3 weeks, so I don't know what will happen. I think I could stay or I could go, but it just depends on what the Lord wants. Well I am out of time, but I love you so much and am so grateful for your support. This is the Lord's Church, and I know that this is His work!

Live it, Love it, Preach it!    del misionero en Utah!

ELDER D

Manti Pangeant 02 July 2012

Well Good Morning Everyone!                     2 July 2012

Well this week has flown by that is for sure. We had an interesting week here in Castle Dale, Utah. It just wasn't really your typical week for a missionary.

Elder Davis At Manti Pageant

The first thing is first, that we did in fact go over to the "Mormon Miracle Pageant" in Manti. It is also known as the "Manti Pageant". It is always a wonderful experience. I really enjoy going over there and to feel of the Spirit that it brings. It was pretty crazy to see a bunch of people there and to talk with them. I probably met about 20 people that either live or have lived in the Tri-Cities. It was quite crazy to talk about that and where they lived. I always saw a family that was in the branch that I served in down in St. George. He was the Ward Mission Leader when I was there. So it was a familiar face. To answer your question, Mom, about the housing and things like that - What usually happens in all the elders end up sleeping in a spare house of the Pageant President, but this time we just slept in their basement, due to some other things that happened. For instance the house that we usually stay in was being used by a Girl's Camp that had to leave their camp due to fires.

Smoke from Wildfires in Utah

FIRES in Utah - That has been a really big thing here lately. Everything has been so dry; this area has experienced the biggest drought in 22 years. There has been so many forest fires going on here in Utah. I also heard there have been some pretty big ones in Colorado. It was pretty crazy, because to go over to Manti we actually drove up this canyon and it was really pretty and then all the sudden we just see huge flames coming over the mountain. It was weird to put your hand towards that side of the car and feel the heat and then put it on the other side and feel the coolness. The road that we were traveling on actually got closed while we were on it. Then as we got to the summit of the mountain, we were able to look down and we see huge areas of smoke right where we were driving towards, but it was on the next mountain over. It has been such a big thing around here that we actually had a region-wide fast for moisture in this area.

Now onto to some of the events with the people that we have been teaching here in this area. One big thing we did this week was help a less active lady named Michelle quit smoking. We did the "Stop Smoking Program". It helps people quit smoking in just 7 days! She has been doing so good and she still hasn't smoked! This one little step will be able to keep her on the "strait and narrow". She has come a long ways since the first time I met with her. She has been reading her Book of Mormon and praying everyday for the last two weeks and she can definitely see the difference all these things have made in her life.

Another thing this week is that we picked up another investigator. Well technically we taught him in Ferron when we still covered both of the stakes, but his family moved to Orangeville this week. We were able to start teaching Logan, again and he went to church with us this week also.

I think the biggest miracle this week was with a guy named David. I mentioned him last week in my letter, but this week it provided another wonderful miracle. We happened to catch him just after he got home from a long week of work in Moab. At our appointment, we had one of the most amazing lessons on my mission. He really is prepared for the Gospel. We were talking about the Plan of Salvation and how through this wonderful plan that he and his wife can be sealed for time and all eternity. He really enjoyed this part and he is still preparing to be baptized on the 21st of July. As we started to end the lesson, I had a very big impression that we needed to talk to him about the Word of Wisdom. Well it was obviously directed by the Spirit, because it turns out that he has chewed tobacco for over 30 years. So we told him for him to be baptized that he would have to give up chewing. He at first looked at us with concern, and then he said "Okay. I will do it. I won't drink tea and when I come back on Saturday I will be done chewing for good." David is such a good man and I know that I was sent here to teach him. I felt that connection the first time I visited with him 3 months ago. Now he is preparing to be baptized on the 21st and he won't let anything get in the way of that. The Lord truly can change the hearts of the people and they can receive the answers to their own questions.

This week we also were able to teach a combined Young Men and Young Women's class. We talked about preparing for a mission and the temple. It was a really good opportunity to help them understand the ways to prepare for a mission, or the temple, and how to set the plans and goals to make it there.

One surprise I did get this week was a letter from President Lott. It is pretty weird to call him President Lott, rather then Bishop Lott. He sent me a really wonderful letter and it was really what I needed that day to help me keep moving forward. I really do love that man and am so grateful him and the role that he played in my life and helping me get on my mission. So President Lott if you are reading this, thank you! (Next time you see him Mom, just let him know I am grateful for him in my life. Thank you!)

NEWS FROM HOME: We just had a “Swoboda Family Gathering” in Creswell, Oregon.  My father and his children and their spouses and children – 35 were there. It was good to hear that you had a good time with the family down in Creswell. It was awesome to see the pictures of all the family and it is nice to see them again. Family is such an important part of our lives. Mom, it is was good to hear that Aunt Cheryl was there looking out for you and Pops. I will have to have Pops send me an email about what she said to him. She always has been one of my favorite aunts on that side, along with Aunt Debi. They are such great people and are always willing to help. I am grateful to hear that Aunt Cheryl was supportive of me and of my decision to stay on my mission. (Some have said Chad should come home to help with his dad- who has stage 4 noncurable cancer- , but we feel strongly that Chad will be able to finish his two year mission uninterrupted – the mom)

It is quite crazy to hear about Trave. (Chad’s high school basketball coach has a new job as varsity coach at Southridge High School in Kennewick.) It is good to hear that he is moving up to a big time coaching job and maybe it will continue that way. He always was a really good coach, I will have to go and visit him when I get back. If you see him tell him I said "Hello". It is good to hear that Joe Sloan is moving back into the ward. I really liked him as a teacher, and now I will have to make sure my Spanish is on par for when I get back, because he will understand me and everything I say.  J

Well thank you so much for everything and for the support! I love you all so much! I know that this work is true and this Church really is Christ's church. I know it with every fiber of my being!   

 Live it, Love it, Preach it!   de tu hijo amado!     ELDER D

PARENT NOTE: LAST WEEK WE DID NOT RECEIVE A LETTER FROM ELDER CHAD. HE RE-SENT HIS JUNE 18TH LETTER -- AND WE ARE GRATEFUL HE DID.  THIS LETTER IS ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING WE HAVE RECEIVED.  ALSO INCLUDED IS THE JUNE 25 LETTER.  TWO FOR THE WEEK!!

Hola a todos!                     18 June 2012

 Another week has come and go and here we are again for the weekly email from Elder Davis. This week turned out to be pretty solid. We were able to accomplish a lot and to see quite a few miracles. The worst part about this week was that I have had a cold almost the whole week. I woke up on Tuesday morning with a really sore throat, and then it just went through all the cycles. I got a runny nose, then a cough, then everything all at once. But I had Elder Linville give me a blessing and it has been getting better and I just have some congestion still, but I should be better by the end of the week.

   Blessings really seemed to be a theme for this week. I think we ended up giving like 4 or 5 blessings this week. We gave one to a guy that is headed out to Afghanistan for 9 months. We gave one to one of the Sister's investigators. Elder Linville gave me one for sickness. Each time, my testimony of Priesthood blessings just grows. I think being the voice for a Priesthood blessing is such a great experience. I have really grown to know that when you give a blessing, you try your best to get out of the way and say what the Spirit indicates. I think this is one of the greatest feelings I have had on my mission, to know that the Spirit of the Lord was completely working through me to give a blessing to someone else. I have heard many times people say, "Oh that was a wonderful blessing Elder Davis." At that moment I just have to remind them that it wasn't me who gave it, but it was the Spirit. It was the things that our Heavenly Father wanted that person to know at that specific moment.
      A miracle that we did have this week was being able to invite a few more people to be baptized. We met with this Hispanic guy earlier in the week named Enrique. We were talking about the Book of Mormon, and I felt the impression to invite him to be baptized. So I invited him and testified of the blessings that will enter into his life, and he said that he will get baptized if he receives his answer from the Lord. So it is a good thing to know that Heavenly Father has our back and He wants Enrique to receive his answer as well.
       We also were able to meet with a 15 year old kid named Bret, that we found last week. His family is basically all members, but his parents haven't really been active for awhile. We asked him if baptism was something that he wanted to do, and he said he wasn't quite sure. So we taught him what baptism was and what it meant. We then were able to set the goal for him to be baptized on July 21st.
        Another blessing came in the form of a returned missionary. This is the same missionary that we heard speak a week ago. He actually was able to come with us to some of our Spanish lessons and help me teach. It was such a nice feeling to know that someone else could help me teach and someone else spoke the language. He was able to really set the tone and testify to our investigators about the blessings that can come into their life. By the mouth of two or three witnesses, right?
       The biggest miracle that we had this week was the BAPTISM of Kemmer. Kemmer is the deaf kid that we have been teaching for the last month. He was so excited to finally get baptized. The day of the baptism was definitely a crazy one. His grandfather was supposed to baptize him and had come down from Salt Lake area to do so, but the problem was that he is such a big guy, that we couldn't find a white jumpsuit that would fit him. So we were racking our brains to find a solution, but it came through Kemmer's mother. I was originally supposed to confirm him, but since we couldn't find clothes for his grandfather, we just swapped him and me around. I was called upon to baptize him about 45 minutes before the baptism. After that the whole baptism went very smooth. Kemmer actually did very well in the font and after I brought him up out of the water, he just said, "WOAH!" It was quite funny, but very fitting for him. The thing that was amazing after the baptism was when I talked with Kemmer's grandfather, the one that was supposed to baptize him. Some background is that Kemmer's father died when he was just a baby, so he never knew him. But his grandfather said that while we were in the font, that he knew that Kemmer's dad was there too. It was a pretty good feeling to know that his father was in attendance to his son's baptism.
       I also was able to have this huge epiphany about the Priesthood that I hold. I know that the Priesthood that I hold is something very sacred from our Heavenly Father and we always need to be clean and worthy to hold it. I know that even though I was asked only 45 minutes before the baptism to baptize Kemmer, I didn't have to worry or think about if I really was worthy to baptize him. That was just one of the biggest epiphanies I have ever had, to know that I need to live my life in such a manner, that in no matter what situation or what moment, that if I am called upon to use the Priesthood authority that I have been given, that I can do so without any doubt in my mind. The Lord instructs us to be worthy and clean of that power that we hold, but our personal obedience is what qualifies us to use that power we have been given.
     This week was also transfer week, but nothing is happening because of the training program. The only thing different is that one of the 2 stakes that we were covering is now being covered by another set of missionaries. It will tough to just do our work with one stake, but we will strive to gain the trust of the members and to work as hard as we can to find those who have been prepared for us here.
     NEWS FROM HOME: Well it was great to hear about the graduations of all of the cousins. I wish them the best in their futures! (Cousins Skyler and Kelse graduated from high school and Caitlin graduated from Oregon State!)  Well I need to be on my way, but I still love this work with all my heart and soul! I know that this is where I am supposed to be at this moment in my life. I wish you all the best this week! I love you all!
Live it, Love it, Preach it!    de la viña del Gran Rey Jesus,  ELDER D

Buenos dias!              June 25, 2012

    I am sorry to hear that you didn't get the letter that I had sent last week. I know that I did send one, but maybe because of the pictures that were attached to it, it didn't go through. So I resent it with and without the pictures, so hopefully you will get that all figured out.

     This week was a week of ups and downs. We had some good moments, and some low moments, but that is all part of a mission, right? We had a really good lesson with one of our investigators that we had been visiting since I got here. His name is David. He is married to a semi active member of the Church. He has been around the Church for so long, but he just hasn't been able to be baptized yet. He almost got baptized about a year ago, but had some problems arise with the missionaries. This week we were able to visit with him. We watched "The Restoration" DVD. It talks about Joseph Smith and his story on how he sought out the truth. Afterwards, we talked about David's belief in Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. It was so awesome, because he bore his testimony to us saying that he knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon was true. We then were able to invite him to be baptized on the 21st of July. The biggest obstacle we will have with him is to get him to church. He works A LOT! He has spent probably the last month going back and forth from here and Moab for work and we have only seen him maybe 4 times. Hopefully we can get him to come to church and to be able to teach him enough so he can get baptized on that date. He is probably the most solid investigator that we have at this time.
    This week I had a really big learning experience once again. I learned how precious the time the Lord has given me to serve him really is. This week we made some choices that reflected what we wanted to do, rather then what the Lord wanted us to do. Let's just say that the day didn't turn out very well. I learned that we need to continually mold our mission into what the Lord wants it to be; rather then what we want our mission to be. There is so much weighing on the time that I have been given to serve the Lord and my fellowman, that I need to use to the fullest. I am helping my brothers and sisters to come unto the knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and to gain eternal salvation. If I choose to use my remaining time in the mission to do what I want to do, those people that I am supposed to find, teach, and baptize will go unfound. I definitely do not want to have those stains upon my garments in the last days. It was definitely a very big eye opening experience.
      With the loss of one of our stakes, we have taken to the streets - we have tracted more this week then I have in the last year of my mission. I don't think I have tracted this much since I left St. George. It has brought some good blessings and some funny experiences. Another one of our investigators that is making a lot of progress in a guy named Jason. He is such a character, but loves having us over. He is also married to a less active member of the Church. He has always told us that it would be a long time before he would go to church, stop smoking, or join the church. Well he went to church for the first time last week, and he was there for his second time yesterday! We were also talking to him during the week and he said that his quitting smoking, and that his official religion is LDS. It is so crazy to see how people can change in a matter of time. I am excited for him, so hopefully we can help him to quit smoking and to invite him to be baptized.
       This week we also had a big training with President Leonard here in Huntington. It was really good. It was another thing that really helped me this week. It just helped me realize the importance of "the basics". After the training I actually had to get my temple recommend renewed. It is weird to think that my recommend is that old and that I have been out that long!
        At the end of the week we did a lot of things with the community. On Saturday, we did a bunch of service with one of the wards here. We just pulled weeds, cut down trees, leveled out some ground, and a bunch of other stuff. Later that night we went to a big community BBQ at the park. It was a good chance to meet with members and nonmembers. After the BBQ, we got roped into help announce some of the events afterwards. They had some pig chases, chicken chases, stick horse races, steer riding, and a cash cow event. It was pretty funny to see all the community and little kids do these events. We even got talked into being part of the chicken chase. Basically they make you all line up on one side of the rodeo arena and you run towards a chicken that is on the other side of the arena, and if you catch the chicken, you get to keep it. Well we didn't win the chicken, mainly because we were in white shirts and ties, so we didn't dive onto the ground like everyone else did. But it was a fun thing to do! We had a bunch of people come up to us on Sunday in church and say how good it was to see us there. Hopefully it will produce some referrals or investigators for us.
       My BYU (Provo) application still isn't finished. I need to still write my essays, and get President Leonard to sign off on it. But that is the only other thing I need to do. You are correct, the Manti Pageant is this week and we will be going to it. We actually will be there tomorrow night. I will send some pictures and tell you more about it next week!
       I wish you all the best this week! I love you all so much and am so grateful for your support!
Live it, Love it, Preach it!   tu hijito!   ELDER D

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY POPS! 

**In Honor of Fathers Day this Sunday, I am including Chad's note home to his father -- I usually keep these tender thoughts private.  Considering all that is going on with our family, I asked Darin for permission to share.  Enjoy! **

Thanks pops! I really appreciate the letter that you sent me. I know that you have never been too much of a writer, but I do appreciate anything I can get from you. It is good to hear that you spoke in church on the Book of Mormon. I really love that subject. That is the one major thing that helped me decide to come on my mission and it has been a source of light for me since I have been here. I have been reading the Ensign from last October that is all about the Book of Mormon. I really enjoyed the old talk by President Benson, about it being the Keystone of our religion and how we should make the Book of Mormon the "keystone" of our lives as well.

   I am glad you have been working a lot lately. It will keep you out of trouble! haha   All is well here and everything continues to be. I am grateful to have you as my earthly father and to call you my hero. Just remember that I do love you with all my heart (I guess it is split between you and mom and the Lord), but I do you love you very much and I know that you will always be my father. Here on Earth and in the eternities if we will just do our part and live up to the covenants that we have made at baptism and in the temple. This is the Lord's true church here upon the earth, never forget that. The gospel will always bring us happiness and eventually it will bring us "never ending joy". (Mosiah 2:41) I love you pops! Remember who you are! (my father, my hero, and a son of God!)    ELDER DAVIS

 June 11, 2012

Well it is that time again here in the wonderful land of Utah, that I have been calling home for the last 21 months. Every week is an adventure and a learning experience. This week was quite interesting. It wasn't the greatest week, nor was it the worst week. It was just one of those average weeks that makes you keep on going forward. We were able to have some good experiences and some funny ones, but that is always to be expected.
Last Monday, we did have the chance to meet with Priscilla. She is the lady that was baptized about 2 months ago, and then we baptized her daughter. As you know, she has breast cancer, and she actually started her Chemo treatments. So we took the opportunity to stop by and visit her with the Ward Mission Leader. She has been feeling pretty crummy lately from all of the Chemo running through her body. But her faith is so amazing. She asked us if we would be able to give her a blessing to help her through this time and throughout the whole time that she is receiving treatments. I was lucky enough to be able to give her the blessing. I really don't remember what I said, but I just know that I blessed her with the power to bear her afflictions and to look unto the Savior, for he knows her pains. It was a very powerful moment. She has always been so in tune with the Spirit the whole time that we have taught her. After the blessing she just sat in the chair and soaked it all in. Through tears in her eyes, she looked up at me and said, "Thank you for everything that you have done for me and for Andrea." I know that I was truly sent here to this area to teach her.
On a lighter note, we went to talk to an older lady that we got referred to by some members. It was pretty funny, because she was nice like almost all old ladies are. She grew up in a less active LDS home, but never got baptized. Now she is in her 80s and saw her great grandson get baptized a month ago. She said that she felt a "good feeling" while she was there. So we talked about what that "good feeling" is and what that meant. We talked about how there is no age limit on baptism and she just said that she knows she should have done it, but now she is just too old to do that. We will follow up with her in a few weeks and see if there is any change.
       We were able to start teaching this kid named Bret. His family is less active, but his dad was pretty supportive to everything that we were teaching him. We bore testimony of the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. We have an appointment with him this evening, so hopefully we can get that moving in the right direction.
       This week we spent a little time tracting (knocking doors). It is something that I haven't really done too much in this area, but we having been needing to try something different. We spent most of Saturday tracting in 30 MPH winds. It was funny to see how tired Elder Linville was afterwards. When we finished tracting, we went to talk to a member about some people in that ward. Elder Linville fell asleep in the chair he was in. It was quite funny.
     Another funny moment this week was that Elder Linville sat down in a chair on Sunday and just blew out his pants. They ripped in about 3 places; on the backside, next to the pocket, and on the leg. He was super embarrassed, because it was at our dinner, and the family has like 5 girls in their home. He seriously turned fire engine red!
       On Sunday, I had a little spiritual awakening. We heard some very good counsel throughout the whole day. In the first meeting we went to I heard a quote from President Monson on the temple. He said, "As we touch the Temple, the Temple will touch us." That thought really stuck with me. To think that if we will open ourselves up to the teachings in the Temple, that they will touch and change our lives. Then we went to a homecoming talk of a missionary that got home last week from Mendoza, Argentina. It was a really good talk, but it was just so weird to see him talking to people and hugging everyone that he hadn't seen for two years. He just kept telling me how weird it was to see all these people again. It will definitely be a weird feeling (for me) to be back and see everyone again.
         Last night, we also had a meeting with President Leonard and Elder Brimhall (Area Seventy). The meeting reemphasized the importance of what I am doing and how great my calling as a missionary really is. I am giving my time and attention to a cause that is greater then anything that I could be doing for myself. The work of the Lord is the great cause that exists upon this great earth.
      NEWS FROM HOME: It is good to hear that everything went well with Lois' surgery for her back. I wish her a quick and speedy recovery. It is a very true statement that we always do need someone to look out and watch over us, and that can come in many different ways. In this case, it comes for Lois and Pops through each other. (They call each other Mom and Son.) It is good that you got the chance to see the Broadhead family, too. I am sure that you had a pleasant surprise when that elder stopped by. (Former Missionary in the Burbank Area, Elder Aitchison, now home from his mission, stopped by to see us!) I am sure it was pretty weird for him to be back in the mission, without his nametag. I feel strange to go and see people that I met when I served in Price, and I am still a missionary. Last night I probably saw 15 people that I knew from when I served in Price at a big missionary training meeting. It was quite a weird experience.
        Well thank you for the package with the shirts, the pictures, and the letter to extend my license. I appreciate it. I love you all so much and thank you for your support!

Live it, Love it, Preach it!     ELDER D

LOTS OF TEACHING, KEEPING BUSY AS A MISSIONARY!

Hola a todos!           June 4, 2012

            Well this week we struggled at the beginning, but we were able to finish it off strong. It is something that we continue to do every week, battle. These last couple of weeks we have been back and forth with a lot of things, but I think that everything should really start to pick up.
            The weather lately has been pretty amazing. The week before it was so bipolar, but this week it has been in the 80s the whole time. It is tough to adjust to the warmer weather, especially after being used to it be cooler the whole time. The biggest thing was that this week there has been a lot of humidity. It has been quite overcast the last few days and has acted like it wanted to rain, but it would only sprinkle. This area really does need some moisture, that is actually what all the Stakes here fasted for yesterday. I have been enjoying the warmth and we have actually been able to get out and walk around.
            We have had some pretty good lessons this week. We are teaching this lady named America. She has such great faith and really enjoys learning. This was confirmed this last week with the two lessons that we had with her. I asked her point blank if she was interested in learning and joining the Church. She said she did and that she wanted to get baptized. Now we just need to work on her marriage situation. So that will be something that we need help with, so any prayers in that behalf would be great! We have also been working with a less active family to help get them active and able to go to the temple. They have been really progressing lately. We had a great lesson on the blessings that come through our obedience to the commandments. So that will be a great day to be able to see them be sealed in a Temple of God.
            A random moment this week: we were out knocking on some doors of some people that the missionaries used to visit. We went to this smaller home, one that you would think a newly married couple would live in. Anyways, so we knock the door and this girl comes to the door and we are talking and asking her some questions. She actually was from around there, and then she said she was already a member of the church. I didn't want the contact to end there, so I asked if she lived there with her husband (hoping he was a non-member). Well she just starts busting up laughing and says "that she isn't married, and she is going to be a senior in high school." So it was a pretty random thing, but I blame Utah and all the very young marriages that happen. J
            We were able to find quite a few new people to teach this week. One is a 9 year old kid named Logan. He is probably one of the funniest kids that I have ever met. While we were there, his babysitter asked if he was baptized, and he just turned to her and said, "No! Why do you think they are here?!" It was a super funny comment. He really knows a lot and wants to be baptized. We invited him to be baptized and he is planning for the 30th of June to do so.
            We went on exchanges to Wellington. It was a pretty weird thing, because I saw so many people that I had met when I served there. (Chad served in Price before going to Cedar City, and now in Castle Dale.) It was a good experience, but also very strange. I wonder if it was a strange feeling for me now, what it will be like when I come back after my mission, or even in like 10 years. While I was there in Wellington, we were talking to this guy outside his house, and my companion was throwing a chunk of wood for his big chocolate lab. This dog and the way he acted reminded me a lot of Bear. (Bear was our black lab we had in Boise.  He loved to run after toys -- we would have to hide them before he would stop!)  Anyways this dog had been chasing this chunk of wood for quite awhile, and he came back and dropped the wood at my feet. What I didn't realize was that he had gone through a little stream on his way back from retrieving the wood. So as all dogs do, they shake to get all the water off. Needless to say I got drenched with water and mud. It was pretty funny when I think about it now, but at the time I wasn't so happy. The worst part was that it was my suit pants, so I had to take those to the dry cleaners. (Chad has always cared about how he dresses and is particular about looking nice.)  We also found out that one of our investigators was involved in a car accident this week. He and his wife took a trip to Colorado to visit some friends, and on the way back they got in a wreck. The worst part was it happened in Price. So it was only 30 minutes away from getting home. Our investigator is only sore and bruised, but his wife is pretty banged up. She is in a neck brace and dislocated her collarbone. It has been a humbling experience for him and a good chance to see how the ward supports them. Hopefully this will soften his heart and let him receive the answer he is looking for.
            The last lesson I am going to talk about was with a Spanish couple. Their names are Veronica and Gerardo. We had stopped by a few weeks before and talked with them, but never really got an actual lesson with them.On Saturday we had a really good lesson. We talked about the Restoration of the Gospel. We had talked about Joseph Smith and we were introducing the Book of Mormon and how they could know if the book was true. At the end of the lesson, I asked them if they had any questions, and the response from Gerardo really shocked me. Keep in my mind that this was the first lesson that we had with him. He said, "No I don't have any questions, but what you could do is leave that book for us, so we can read it and find out if it is true." That just blew me away. I can definitely tell that he is a "sincere seeker of truth". I am excited to see what happens with them this week.
            NEWS FROM HOME: It is good to know that Pops is getting all his tests done, so that everything else can proceed forward. (Darin has had 7 body scans, a brain scan, ultra sounds and a full body PET scan.  He feels like he should glow in the dark! Just one more test before getting approval for chemotherapy treatment at Univ of Washington.)  It was also nice to hear that Emma and Chay came to church this last week. Hopefully that can continue to happen. But I am grateful for you support once again, and it is nice to know that you are always there for me. I know that this is the Lord's church and this is His work!   Live it! Love it! Preach it!   con muchismo amor!    ELDER D

A New Week - Learning NEW THINGS - Hola a todos!    May 29, 2012

        Well it is seems to have been a crazy week here in the mission field. But is good to hear that everything went well with your cruise. It sounds like it was very enjoyable! (We went on a short trip to Alaska on a cruise ship.)
        This week has had a little bit of everything in it. We have had good moments, bad moments, funny moments, stressful moments, but they have all been worth it. This week provided for some good opportunities to find new people to teach and to learn quite a bit about myself.

Thats ONE BIG BOX for POPCORN!

       We found a new guy to teach named Rodolfo. He is from Mexico, but has been living in Salt Lake for a little while. He has really never met with the missionaries before, but he was very interested in learning more. He had some very good questions about God and religions and things of that matter. Well as we taught him, we started talking about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. He then saw that I had a copy of the Book of Mormon in my hand and asked, "Where can I buy a book like that one?" I then just said," Here, this one is yours!" He was so surprised, but was super excited. He said that he really had a great desire to read it and to find out if it is true or not.
        This week has been a really big learning experience for my companion and I. (Chad is "training" a brand new missionary to the mission.)  He has had a pretty humbling week. He thought that missionary work was just a breeze and he could learn how to do it in just a few weeks, but he came to find out that wasn't a true statement. We had to do a lot of talking and trying to help him see that learning is a process, it doesn't just happen over night. I likened it to someone doing just one "crunch" and expecting to have a "six-pack". That is physically impossible and it is the same with missionary work. There is no way that someone can just be on a mission for 2 weeks and automatically know and understand the ins and outs of it all.
        We did have a really good lesson with the 15 year old girl that we found last week, Hailey. She is so solid and really wants to learn and grow. She likened her question on wanting to know about the true church on the earth, to the same question that Joseph Smith had. She really thought about that and came to her own conclusion that she needs to ask God what church really is the true one. So we will be waiting to see how that progresses for us this week.
        I was also able to go on exchanges with Elder Ayala. He is one of the Spanish missionaries from up in Price. It was a really good day that I had with him. I was so happy that I actually had someone to speak Spanish with for longer then a few minutes. It was surprising on how fast my mind can change back into pure Spanish and then change back and go and teach a lesson in English.

What's Up?  Just Being Elder D!!

        This week we were also able to do a bunch of service. We helped a guy from one of the wards here put in a sprinkler system for an investigator's family. I was able to teach Elder Linville how to dig his first hole.  J It was a pretty funny thing to watch. He actually went to jump on the shovel a few times and slipped. He was a good sport about it though. We also helped a family paint some of the rooms in their house. I did end up with a little blue paint on me, but it was a good opportunity to serve in different way.

Touring a Mine two weeks ago.  (Chad on the Right)

        Well like I said before, the week was a big learning opportunity for me. I was able to see the blessings of how I have served my mission, and the necessity to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength for the rest of the time that I have here in Utah. I have recommitted myself to being the best missionary that I can be, for myself, for my companion, for my area, but most of all for the Lord and His children. This week I also learned the importance of the Sacrament. It is such a great thing to have every week. I really studied out what the Sacrament meant to me and to others. And the cleansing power that comes from it, is something that is singular to that special ordinance. It is likened unto being baptized every week and that is something that I am extremely grateful for, because I am not perfect and definitely need that each week.
NEWS FROM HOME: Once again, I am glad that the cruise went well and that you both had good time. It is good to know that you still have a little fun, even if I am not there to brighten up your life. (ha ha ha Chadboy!)  Again, I thank you for your support and love!

Live it, Love it, Preach it!   del misionero en Emery County, Utah!   ELDER D

The REAL and BEST Work Begins Again, TRAINING!

Hola! Como estan?                            14 May 2012

Well this week was a little bit different, and quite long. It was long because of all the transfers and the traveling and what not. I guess I didn't travel as for as Elder Lott, but still the traveling down to St. George and back in two days is quite long for me.

I went down to St. George on Tuesday, and got there around 5ish. I then stayed the night with Elder Chidester in St. George Spanish (my old area). It was pretty fun to be able to see some people that I knew from a year ago and to people that I taught before. I was able to see President Wilson, the Branch President there, for a little while. We visited a less active lady and gave her a blessing, so President Wilson came with us to visit her. It was quite a neat experience to see him again and to be able to talk about all the stuff that has been going on in my mission. I really hope that I will be able to go back down there to end my mission. It may not be possible, but I can always hope, right?  It was also pretty crazy, because a missionary that was going home the next morning stayed the night with us as well. I knew him pretty well and have known him for most of my mission, and it is weird to think that he is done and went home already. I guess I am not the youngest person in the mission anymore either, but I still don’t think I am getting ready to go home soon.

On Wednesday, I had the "Trainer's Meeting" with the Assistants. It was pretty fun, because of some of the other missionaries I was there with, but it was very long. Eventually I got my new "son" around 2ish. His name is Elder Linville. He is from San Marcos, California. It isn't too far from San Diego. He says it is in between LA and San Diego. He is a good kid and wants to do his best. He is very diligent. I really did forget how difficult it was to train though, just because most of my time lately has been spent with missionaries who have been out for quite a while and know how missionary work goes. It has been a little bit of a struggle to continually explain things that seem so simple for me, but for him he has no idea of what is going on. Well our personalities are a little different, but I seem to be able to get along with him. But I can get along with pretty much anyone, the true test will to see how I view things at the end of my 3 months with him. I feel like President Leonard may have told him to follow everything I do, (kind of like in the movie "The Best Two Years"; "should I write that down?") because he seems to follow my mannerisms, my accents, the way I teach principles, etc. It just seems to be kind of different to have a "mini-me", but I guess I should take it as a compliment that he wants to follow what I am doing to become a better missionary.

We finally got back to Castle Dale around 8:15ish. We spent most of the day traveling back up here. It has been quite a battle to try and make up for the two days that were lost because of the trip to St. George. There wasn't too many crazy things or crazy lessons to talk about. The work is still true and continues to move forward. I did meet a tourist from McCall, Idaho. I talked to him for a little bit about up there, and why he was here in Castle Dale, but he wasn't too interested in hearing our message. He said he respected it and loves the LDS people, but believes a little differently. At least, I can say that I tried with him, right?

NEWS FROM HOME: Because of Mother’s Day, it is one of the two times a year missionaries get to phone home.  We enjoyed talking with our son and look forward to his return in 4 short months!)  Well I didn't officially say it last week, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYSON! I still can't believe that he is 5!  I still remember when that little Goober was born! I am pretty excited to see him and Chay Chay now, after they have grown and are talking. I still couldn't believe how much they could talk and say. I think they do speak better English then me! Their little "I wuv you" still melts my heart. The phone call was really good yesterday as well. It was a little more positive because of the circumstances this time. Afterwards, I had trouble getting my head wrapped around the fact that it was my last one of my mission. That is so crazy to me. It was good to talk to all of you, and it was quite a surprise to talk to Bethany as well (adopted daughter No. 2). Well I forgot to say this yesterday as well, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!!!! But I did say it in the card that I sent, so that counts right? (Absolutely!!!!) 

Well I will fill out the travel papers to fly home, (September) and then we can make a trip back down here to show you the sights and the people. It will be easier for me to do it afterwards since I will be released and not be watched over like a hawk since I would still have my nametag. But we can work that all out with time. But thank you so much for the support and for everything that you do for me! I love you so much! Have a great week!

Live it, Love it, Preach it!

de la viña del Señor!     ELDER D

P.S. I will send pictures of my new companion and I next week. I am on a computer that won’t allow me to access my camera. So enjoy and have a good week! I love you!

TRANSFERS, TRAINING-AGAIN, Exploring his "DIGS"

Buenos días a todos!                          7 May 12
          Another week, another letter. This week has been a pretty interesting, but solid week. There weren't too man crazy or outrageous moments, but just some good solid missionary work.
          Last P-Day we took another trip out to the desert. We went to a place called the "Rochester Art Panel". It is a bunch of old Native drawings on a rock wall. It is said that it was a very sacred place to the Native people. It was a pretty cool little hike. The rocks are covered with drawings and there are even some dinosaur fossils around. This place is home to the world's longest hieroglyphic snake. (See pictures.)
          We have had quite a bit of new experiences. We started teaching this kid named Kemmer. He is about 10 and he has trouble hearing. When we teach him, we have a signer. We teach and Bro. Stephenson signs what we say to him. He can hear us, but it helps his understanding of what we say. It has pretty cool to learn some signs and now I can do a few basic signs. I think I am learning just as much as Kemmer is. We also started teaching Priscilla's daughter, Andrea, this week. (Priscilla was baptised two weeks ago.) We have had some struggles with her just because she is so rowdy during our lessons. She has also been attending Primary. We should have a baptism with her in a week or two.  
          We are able to do a little Spanish work here and there. We have a Spanish investigator whose name is America. She has a bunch of family that are members. This week we went over for a lesson, and we were just following up with her prayers and her reading in the Book of Mormon. She said that she felt good when she was praying. So I asked her if she thought she had received an answer. She then just said, "Yes, I have." I was pretty startled because I was prepared to hear, "no, not yet", so it caught me off guard to hear that she got her answer. She said that she just felt so much peace and happiness when she prayed that she knew these things were true. So she accepted the invitation to be baptized, but we just have to work on her getting married to her "husband". She has lived with him for like 9 years and they have 3 kids together, but she doesn't know if he wants to marry her. So that is a struggle right now, so we will continue to try and work that situation. We can definitely use your help with some prayers there.
News from around Emery County: The high school baseball team has been doing really well. I know some kids on the team and we have talked about how I used to play. They have only lost two games all year and were regional champions. They had a State Playoff game here on Saturday, and since most of the town was there; we went there to be where the people were. It was pretty cool to be able to see the game, and to talk to all the people there.
          TRANSFERS: This week was transfer week. The suspense is over, I am going to be staying here in Castledale Bilingual. But I will be a father once again. Yes, I will be training a new missionary. It was quite a surprise because the Zone Leaders said that I should just get another companion and move after next transfer, but I guess the Lord needed me to train a new missionary. I am pretty nervous, just because Elder Weyant has been my youngest companion(least amount of time in the mission) since I trained Elder Leguizamón. I will also be here for at least two more transfers, because when you train, you are involved in a 12 week program (2 transfers). That means I will be here until my birthday (JULY 30, for anyone who wants to know!) at least, and I could die here. (In missionary terms that means end your mission.)  But who knows, that is a long time in the future and for now I am focused on training a new missionary. That means this week I have to take a trip down to St. George on Tuesday, stay the night, go to a meeting on Wednesday, get my new "son", and then drive the 5 - 6 hour drive back to Castledale. So it will be a long two day journey. It will also be hard, because we lose two days of working in our area. So hopefully we will be able to make up all that time.
          NEWS FROM HOME:  Well I that is cool that Matthew Rickords got his call  The Denver mission is lucky to have him. I know that Beaugh Meyer (old friend from Boise) is serving there right now and he loves it. I am glad that he is excited about it too, because that is exactly where the Lord needs him to serve and the Lord has people there prepared for him to find, teach, and baptize.
          I am glad that Pops was able to bear testimony with minimal tears. I am also glad to know that the missionaries are still being very helpful to both of you. Also, that they were able to give Mom a blessing. Mom, I also want to say thank you for your paragraph in regards to my Mother's Day card that I sent you. I knew it would be unexpected, but I knew I needed to do something for you. I am grateful for the time that you gave up to dedicate to all my activities and to helping me grow from a boy into a man. I really appreciate all of that time. I wouldn't have traded any of the times that I spent with you or comforting you when you needed it. It was my duty as a son to comfort you when you needed it, but to give you a few grey hairs as well. Too bad you dye them all now! (Kleenex moment from a thankful mother for her son!)  Well I am glad that Sister Huntsman's letter was all good things. She is a very nice older lady that is serving as a Stake missionary in Castledale. She actually cut my hair last week. (We received a letter from her telling us that our son was a good missionary and setting the right example and always smiling and happy.)  
           I hope all is well on your end of things, and I am really glad to get the news about Pops and what the specialist believes will happen for dads care.  Good things are going to come! I love you all! Talk to you on Sunday!  (One of the two phone calls allowed each year -- Christmas and Mother's Day -- he gets to talk to the entire family -- not just the mom!!)

Live it, Love it, Preach it!   del campo misional en Emery County, Utah!

ELDER D